Every once in a while something big hits you over the head to make you realize everything is ok! We have been unemployed here since mid November which does not instill much Holiday spirit, worrying how long you can keep a roof over your and the critters heads .. BUt we had Thanksgiving, friends are wonderful. Moving towards the Holiday-- losing a few not old ferrets from hospice due to terminal conditions... adds to the mix. Then the ice storm. One of the hospices regained power Sat night, another not until yesterday, still one director is i the cold... much to think about- the main building kept warm. More storms due Weds and Saturday. Today all is fine, our hospice homes are again warm, and shelter Dad volunteers today bringing coffee to the local firemen who are battling a five alarm fire in town. The home a total loss. I guess it does not matter there is no tree and pretty packages. We are safe & warm today .. and that is what really matters. Messy cages to clean are certainly better that living in a box in the cold. Small reminders to be thankful for what we have, not what we have not. Alicia shelter Mom www.ferretwise.org [Posted in FML 6185]